How to Hang Deck Joists

There are a couple of ways to hang deck joists. The easiest and most accurate way is to use metal joist hangers that can be purchased at most hardware, lumber and home improvement stores. If you have carpentry knowledge and skill, hang your own deck joists by following the steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Protective shoes and gloves
• 2-x-12 joist boards
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Carpenter's square
• Disposable particle mask
• Circular saw with carbide blade
• Saw horses or table
• Ear plugs or muffs and safety glasses or goggles
• Wood clamps
• Metal joist hangers for 2-x-12 joists
• Joist nails or rust-proof screws
• Cordless drill
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Check local building codes before you begin. Look up the code for joist spacing--the requirement will be either 16 or 24 inches apart from center to center. Also determine if you must install blocking between the joists to stabilize the structure.

2. Square and cut the joist boards the correct length for your deck. You may need two courses of joists depending on the width of your deck. If so, allow extra length to overlap each joist by 12 inches in order to attach them together.

3. Install the ledger plate, clamp ledger plate, any beams and the outside plate.

4. Measure the ledger plate for the joist boards. Starting on the left side of the ledger plate, measure 1 1/2 inches from the end. Make a mark on the top edge equal to the width of the joist boards. Measure in another 1 1/2-inches and make another mark. Continue measuring the ledger plate to the right and make pencil marks for the placement of each joist hanger. Leave a space of 1 1/2-inches on the right side of the ledger plate for the rim joist.

5. Use nails or screws to attach the joist hangers to the ledger plate and outside plate. Place a fastener in each hole on the hanger. Use a scrap board the same size as the joists for accurate placement of hangers.

6. Place joists into the joist hangers. Fasten by placing nails or screws in each hole on the hanger. Also toenail the joist to the ledger or plate at each end. When all of the joists are installed, attach the rim joist.

Tips & Warnings

• Screws are recommended as fasteners because they are easier to remove if you make a mistake or need to dismantle the deck in the future. Use galvanized or rust-resistant screws.

• Boards are usually slightly bowed. The high edge is called the crown. Install joists crown up.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter on all power cords.

• Don't wear gloves while using a circular saw.

• Wear a disposable particle mask when cutting the boards.

• Use hearing and eye protection when using power tools.

Resources

• Purchase deck supplies at Home Depot.
• Find deck supplies for the do-it-yourselfer at Virginia Decking and Remodeling.